Dear OBC Family,

What is the world like? Is it like the beginning? Or is it completely different after the flood? And what does it matter?

While we are often tempted to simply think about what comes next in our own lives, families, careers, or ministries, we need to slow down and consider the stage on which we live, move, and have our being. We are creatures made in the image of God, and that means we need to know who God is and what he has made. And also, that means we need to know what he has remade after the flood.

This Sunday we will continue to look at Noah. Only now we move from his ark to his altar. And from his salvation to the creation of a new society. In Genesis 8:20–9:7 we will see at least five building blocks to civilization and also a particular order to arrange them.

To prepare, take time to read Genesis 9. Pray that God would give us insight and interest into the world he has made, so that we might see where we fit in his creation and how his salvation in Christ is the only way to see the world put to rights.

As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday. And this week, I am especially thankful for many of the graces God has given to our church. I wrote them down in a blogpost and I would encourage you to read them—10 Reasons I Am Grateful to God for OBC.

I bless God for the work of grace he has done at our church and I look forward to singing his praises with you, his saints, on Sunday.

For His Glory and your joy,

Pastor David

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Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 8:20-9:7)

Consider the text for this week. What stands out to you?

How do you think about the flood? The world that came after it? Is Genesis 1–11 more like a galaxy far, far away? Or does it influence how you think about the world?

How does the rest of the Bible pick up and apply this new beginning?

What are the parts of the world that Genesis 8:20–9:7 describe?

What is the pattern of “world building” that is found here? How does that support your views of the world? How does that invite change?

How is this new beginning after the Flood distinct from the first beginning in Genesis 1-2?

What change did the exaltation of Christ bring to the world? And does that mean for us?

How ought we to respond to this text?